EVAWI

I work for a wonderful organization, EVAWI, who's mission statement is: "We inspire and educate those who respond to gender-based violence, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. We promote victim-centered, multi-disciplinary collaboration, which strengthens the response of the criminal justice system, other professionals, allies, and the general public -- making communities safer." I am grateful I live in a small town, am able to work at a job that makes a difference, and one that I truly enjoy. Here is a video our executive director made of our conference held in Chicago and of our upcoming one in San Diego 2012. Just had to show us off a bit . . . .

What's one of your lessons?

On a recent trip to Chicago, I was reading a Real Simple magazine that asked the question: "What is one lesson you learned in school that you'll never forget?". Of course this got me to pondering for myself. A few popped into my mind like in the 5th grade, my teacher Mr. Kubalek taught us the words to the National Anthem. To this day, I'm grateful I know every single word. In the 7th grade, I asked my health teacher what a boner was ..... He showed me a slide with an illustration..... Good to know. Good lesson. Haven't forgot that lesson. But Ms Faber taught me in the 6th grade that everyone is an individual and we learn differently. She let me take my tests laying on the floor rather than sitting in a chair, which never fit me. I appreciated her acknowledgement that everyone is different and what works for others may not work for everyone. She gave me that consideration, and I try to give the same consideration to others.
As we buy back to school items and prepare for our children to return to the classrooms, recall your greatest lessons learned from school. I hope you smile.


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Glee Project

This is Cameron from the Glee Project on the Oxygen Network. He was my favorite and my pick to win. He didn't. He didn't because he quit. Let me back up a little. It is surprising I liked Cameron because he is a conservative Christian from Texas. I do admit I have a thing for nerds but I liked Cameron because he has a soulful, unique voice that I love.

Cameron quit because the acting portion of being a Glee start was difficult for him. He wasn't comfortable with his sexuality and doing anything that challenged his morals. I admire his conviction even though I don't share his convictions. I appreciate he followed his heart. Afterall, following our hearts is what is what life is about. . . . it really is. Cheers to you Cameron.

How I've been Feeling lately . . .

Mercury Retrograde??

It has been one of those months. . . . shit has hit the fan in many ways. Luckily for me, I'm use to shit hitting the fan. ;-). Mercury retrograde could be causing it or it could just be bad luck . . . whatever it may be. It doesn't really matter. What does matter is how we deal with crisis. I try very hard not to judge people on how they handle their personal journeys. Afterall, everyone's journey is not the same and no one can truly understand it. What I see as petty may same huge to someone else. What I see as whining could be someone's way of asking for help. I try to understand and be empathetic. Crisis sucks. I watch people carefully on how they pull themselves up by the bootstraps. How someone reacts is more important to me. I'm rambling. . . . thats just how I deal with shit hitting the fan. :-)

Chase hits homerun!

One of my favorite things to do is watch my boys play baseball. I absolutely LOVE it. This is my 12 year old.